due to farmers' concerns that they may contract foot-and-mouth disease.

Agriculture and Fisheries officials cancelled the cloven-hoofed display for this year's Ag Show after dairy farmers expressed concern over the diseases which has spread throughout Europe and Britain.

An Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson said they "recognise the risk of infection, however small, is magnified many-fold in a setting such as the Exhibition''.

"We share the concerns of the dairy farmers and thus have decided not to display any cloven-hoofed animals at this year's Exhibition,'' the spokesperson said.

But horses will be on hand after increased precautionary measures are taken.

A Government spokesperson said it should be stressed that the animals constitute five percent of the show and reinforced that the Exhibition would not be cancelled.

Dairy farmer Harry Kromer said the risk of putting his cattle in the Exhibition was too great.

"I'm the largest dairy farmer and I've got a lot to lose,'' he said. "I've got an awful lot of money in these animals and I have brought in some of the world's best stock.

"We've got to be careful. If we can keep them isolated, we have a better chance. Bermuda is so small, if it ever did get here, it'll trouble the entire Island,'' he added.

The Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson said: "Rather than risk any infection, which would have consequences for the entire Island, we believe cancelling this portion of the Exhibition is the wisest course of action.

"The local veterinarians have been consulted and unanimously support this decision.

"The show will run on April 19, 20 and 21 and still has lots to offer,'' said the spokesperson.

Headlining events include the Honda Imps motorbike riding display team, USDA Beagle Brigade and a variety of musical entertainments.

Foot-and-mouth fears hit Ag Show The Honda Imps motorbikes, which are driven in rural England, and have undergone extensive disinfection prior to activities on the Island.

"We will still have numerous equestrian events and would like to remind ho rse riders and owners that the horses should not be returned to or near premises that house cloven-hoofed animals following the Exhibition,'' said the spokesperson.

"Horses that must be returned to areas having cloven-hoofed animals must be bathed and the horse's hooves thoroughly cleaned of mud and debris.

"The horse's hooves should then be disinfected with a dilute bleach solution, five tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water.

"The tack and riding boots should be similarly treated,'' the spokesperson added.

GOVERNMENT GVT